TARIFF PROTECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 5 February 1929, Page 5

TARIFF PROTECTION

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyi iglit). LONDON, Feh. 3. In leading article in reference to a joint application by the employers and the employees for safeguarding tariff duty on dress goods, the “Daily Mail” recalls that the trades unions were hostile to any measure for industry safeguarding a year ago. The fact that the workers no longer are ready to stand still and look on, murmuring out-of-date free trade shibboleths, while vital ndustrics have decayed, It says, is a most hopeful sign for Britain’s future. The imports of woollen fabrics had increased three hundred per cent, .since 1921. Seven thousand British looms were out of action, and 25.000 textile workers had abandoned that industry. The “Daily Mail” adds that if all of the imported fabrics were manufactured in Britain, thousands of artisans would he employed; the consumpv.ou of coal would be largely increased; and the prosperity of the textile industry would help to relieve other industries now carrying an almost intolerable tax burden. The industries already safeguarded have greatly benefited. The motor car industry, for instance, reduced its prices, and has increased its exports by nearly fifty per cent. The tyre industry has been building not only new factories, but now villages under tile stimulus of new duties. The Federation of British Industries, reviewing the last quarter of 1928 notes that there has been an appreciably bigger output on the basic industries. Ihe steel industry increased by 199,000 tons; the new shipbuilding was the highest since 1921; and the export of manufactures was eight per cent, over 1921, which was one of the best postwar years.